..that is MY question this week.
This blog was orignally created as an adjunct to working at Pacific CRS as a way of staying connected in a more personalized manner. I feel it was effective in that intention.
Now I am questioning it's validity. With me no longer working at Pacific CRS, does this blog have a life of it's own? Does it serve a purpose?
Recently, I had the opportunity to be at Midtown for two different functions. While there, I actually got to speak (in person!) with two people who are readers of my blog. (I am choosing not to identify them since I did not get their permission first, but I can share that both of these people are active and also usually identify themselves when the post comments). It was heartening to hear that my blog has been of interest or support to them.
The blog-ee (is there a correct term for a blog reader?) who introduced himself to me at MCRS and I had an interesting conversation about the vagaries of the blog world. The pros and cons and the frustrations of people who post and don't identify themselves. We agreed that it would be helpful if these people would even choose a pseudonym to retain their anonymity but to be able to participate as a communty member of Breath Space. Because in addition to my interest in what people think, feel and write, it matters to the other readers, too. For example, spiritfire is one of the regulars who has chosen to use a "handle" (does anyone still use a CB and remember, "breaker, breaker"...) so that now we have a sense of him/her and it creates a different connection--at least it does for me. And of course, I have some regulars who almost always identify themselves--Ellie, TK and Reni to name a few. (thank you).
Soooooo...all this got me to thinking about whether to continue blogging. And the question is not just whether or not people identify themselves; it's about knowing the validation of this project. Of course, I could keep writing and never hear from anyone and be perfectly content. However, I can also do that in my journal or another writing venue. I guess I am asking to hear from you IF AND HOW this blog supports you? Why are you drawn to reading this?
Please know that you can respond (and I hope that you do!) anonymously or with a cyber name; and.or you can also e-mail me directly and privately, if you do not wish to have anyone read your innermost feelings. revduchess@cox.net
Thanks in advance for your participation and interest in the cyber community known as Breath Space.
Breathfully yours,
DD
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9 comments:
Connection is important and the blog has been a way to connect with you. I wish that you could have stayed at Pacific Church for Sunday duties with no salary and worked at a paid job during the week. We miss you.
Thanks for the replies--hope more come in.
In fact, two people have replied to me via e-mail as they had some challenge with their post. One person said I could post his comment this way:
"I would hope your blog musings might serve both you and your readers. I enjoy reading about what you have been doing/thinking...And it gives you an outlet to express yourself to those of us interested in you on a regular basis." REW
And in response to today's comment, given all the parameters of my leaving, the idea of my staying with the church at little or no salary was not a viable option. Thank you. I miss being there, too.
Blogs serve the readers.....but one must also consider the writer. There is power in the discipline of the writing. Lack of comments doesn't mean a thing. The words stand on their own. I blog, therefore I am.
Keep bloggin as it is a way for you to be creative. Different form, same results as Sunday talks.
Hi,
I am hearing back from people that they are having a challenge in posting their replies. Let me say that the post replies no longer automatically post as you enter them. The reason for this is that as many of you know, there were some readers who attempted to use this forum as a place to spill and spew their unhealed issues. I do not choose to suport, enable or otherwise endorse rude or mean behavior; and since this is my blog, I have the license if you will, to be the arbiter of what gets posted.
Many others were also so distrubed by the negative tenor of those comments, that I chose to activate a filter option on all posts received. If you are not seeing your comment/reply posted immediately, it is because of the filtration system I had to engage. If you do not see your post within 24 hours, let me know.
The intention for this blog as I stated in the orginal post, was a means of further connecting with my congregation. An updated intention is being established and it is why I am seeking out your feedback.
I had hoped that this blog would be more of a comm-unity forum with interactive dialogues and intriguing questions posed for discussion. It has only once leaned in that direction.
One of the options I am considering is instead of using a blog venue, that I could create a weekly message letter that would go to "subscribers" and would not be quite as public.
More to be revealed...
thanks for the comments.
I enjoy reading your thoughts, experiences and ideas. It is the next best thing to seeing you every week as I used to at PCRS. I like staying connected with what you are doing as well. If you do a newsletter ( like Debbie Ford), that would be great as well.
Keep blogging, or whatever format you choose to keep us connected.
Katrina
keep on bloggin' good buddy,
spitfire is 10:10 and on the side.
now of course some of this anonymous stuff could be user error... like.. I cna't figure how to be spitfire again yet I thought I signed up.. yet I can't find me.... oh boy..
"lookin all around and I can't find you .. don't know what I'm gonna do.. lookin high and low in front of me in back of me don't look like it's comin through".. HA.. what song and WHO sings it??
ok ok.. now I guess this thing automatically knows me.. cause I see spitfire at the top... hmmmm..
-- so.. I don't comment much.. but I enjoy the read=) BLOG IT BABY!!
Definitely Blog....the loss of your creative input or output ( whichever?)into the universe, albeit cyber at the moment...would be a loss to the positive flow. There is so much negative put out there that this is a wonderful respite from the barrage. This is a light, loving, honest place to come and connect, identify and laugh with you about life, our humanness belief in spirit and the wonder of the small things in life. Something I enjoy and appreciate because you remind me to think and feel and connect even with my hectic life.
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